Laura Cantu, Ed.D.

It is my honor to serve Brenau University, as well as the students and families served by this institution. I agree with the cultural-historical theories of Vygotsky and his Zone of Proximal Development, Piaget’s emphasis on the importance of play in the learning process, and John Dewey’s emphasis on the importance of experiential education both inside and outside of the classroom. These philosophies and beliefs are important in the realm of teacher education. I bring a unique, pragmatic perspective and philosophy to the arena of teacher education due to 35 years of successful classroom teaching, primarily to student populations with special needs.

I develop and teach courses at the bachelor’s, master’s, specialist’s, and doctoral levels. I serve the university as a member of the Institutional Review Board, and the Campus Connections Committee. I act as chair and/or subject matter expert for dissertation committees for Ed.D. students. I have the privilege to represent the College of Education in an initiative to take faculty and students to Moultrie, Georgia to work with the children of migrant farmworkers and assist in a multi-university health initiative to the migrant farmworkers, in conjunction with physical therapy and psychology students from Brenau University.